Someone’s Someone

by Curious Girl

I've always been someone's someone. I will always be known as the sister of. The sister of the wonder child; the sister of the Nobel prize laureate; the sister of Princess Anastasia of Romanov; the sister of the next Queen of England; the sister of the Olympian... and the daughter of Troy and Gabriella Bolton. But I am so much more. I am Josephine Bolton.

20. Chapter 20

Three weeks later:

Josephine

Through one of the many oval windows in my jet, I watch my hometown appearing underneath me as the jet gets closer and closer to the ground. It's a ten hours flight from Akumal in Mexico to London, but the last hours flew by too fast. I underestimated the media frenzy after Char's wedding. I definitely underestimated how cruel, rude and just awful the press can get. I forgot what they did to Char's dead grandma.

At least, this way my parents didn't hesitate to give me three weeks off after the wedding. They will never know I fled to French Cay and Mexico because of Oliver.

I can feel how he grabs my hand and intertwines his fingers with mine. "Ready to come home?" His turquoise eyes sparkle as much as his pearly white teeth. His skin got a few shades darker just like mine, because we spent the majority of our time in the sun.

But my parents will know about Ed and I. Because I decided to give us a chance. I cheated on Oliver with Edward twice. It has to mean something, so I'm ready to figure it out. I had the last two weeks to test drive whatever this is and over an endless amount of cocktails at the white sanded Mexican beach I've come to the conclusion it means more than just sex.

I squeeze his hand and smile, "Yes. Let the madness begin."

He lifts our laced hands and kisses the back of mine. "I'm right by your side."

"Perhaps not so publicly. We discussed this."

"For now. But I won't be your secret forever."

Somehow, I don't want him to. "I know. Just give me a little bit more time."

"Okay."

---

The doors of the lift open with a quite ping. Somehow, it feels weird to be back in the place where I ended things with Oliver. I left so abruptly that night, that I had to buy the majority of my clothes and sunscreen as soon as I landed on French Cay. After a week of getting drunk and feeling miserable, I called Edward and told him to meet me in Akumal. He didn't hesitate to jump into his jet and fly to Mexico. That alone showed me he wanted me for me, not for my reputation or money. And as my jet was landing in the Mexican paradise of Akumal, I too felt excited about seeing him again.

I push my silver suitcase into my walk-in wardrobe and stare at the wall that's still full of the clothes that I bought for Oliver. It pains me to see the unused potential that's hanging in my closet. I didn't see Oliver since I broke us up. He left without looking back. He left without coming back to collect his stuff. He left his iPhone on the drawer in the hallway, along with the spare key to the flat that I bought him.

He cut ties with me.

I gulp before I grab a bunch of clothes and lift them off the wardrobe rail. I put the clothes into one of the many boxes that I've bought and constructed before I flew off to French Cay and Mexico. I need to give him his stuff back, or at least donate it to someone in need. I can't have these memories hanging in my closet. It pains me in a way I didn't know they could. I thought Oliver would come back and collect his belongings while I was in Mexico and on French Cay for the last three weeks, but he didn't. Mainly because he doesn't see them as his belongings.

I haven't been at his flat in Notting Hill, so I hope he is living in the flat that I bought for him. Or at least, visiting it once in a while.

---

After an hour of packing up his stuff, I decide it's time to call some help. I pick up my iPhone and call Ralph. I could carry these boxes by myself, but I don't want to go up and down two times with my lift. Four hands can carry more than two.

"I need your help to carry some boxes." I tell Ralph.

"I'll be right there, Miss Bolton." Ralph answers before hanging up.

He's the only man in my life I could always count on. He's the only one who didn't leave me. He's the only one, I didn't push away.

I pick up the first box and carry it into the hallway. I can't believe how much I bought Oliver. He really did live with me. I provided him with everything he needed, but not with what he wanted. He wanted love from me.

An emotion I'm unable to produce.

I put the box down just as the doors of the lift open with a ping. Ralph steps out in his usual black suit, steel hard expression and perfectly styled hair.

"Are these for charity?"

I shrug, "Maybe. I have some more in my wardrobe. I need you to carry them downstairs."

"Downstairs?"

"Six levels below us." I precise my statement.

"I had a feeling you didn't flew to Mexico and French Cay for nothing. I also thought you didn't buy the flat for extra storage." Ralph comments. It's the most touching comment he has ever meant. "I'm sorry."

No, that's the most touching comment he ever made. "I'm not. The contract ended rather abruptly but that doesn't mean I can't give back what's never been mine."

"Does Mr. Rothschild know?"

I gulp. We've never been so personal. "Yes. He's aware of the other man that was in my life and he also knows he's no longer in it."

"Miss Bolton, if I may say something... you don't just replace one person with another. I know you cared about Oliver. These boxes are proof. I think you should digest what happened before you jump into another relationship so quickly."

"And I think you shouldn't stick your nose into my business. Who I am with, is my decision, not yours!" I hiss at him.

"Of course. I'm sorry." Ralph apologises before walking into my master bedroom in a fast pace.

---

I ring the bell of the flat that I bought for Oliver. The last time I was here, was with him. I haven't seen him in three weeks and to be honest, I feel very nervous. I wonder how he's been and if he's still hurt. I hope not. I hope he gets over me. He can't love me. He just can't.

Suddenly, the mahogany wooden door swings open and I stare back at a blonde bitch who is half naked. All she's wearing is a grey shirt that clearly belongs to a man. To Oliver.

Well, that was fast.

"Yes?"

It's not even a slap in the face. It's a wrecking ball I didn't see coming. It hits me with such force that I feel tears burning in my eyes while the air gets pressed out of my lungs. He's already fucking someone else?! He claimed he loved me, yet it didn't take him much longer than three weeks to find a replacement. And she's not a really good one. She doesn't look like me at all! "I'm looking for Oliver."

"There's no Oliver living here." The blonde woman says in a high voice.

I frown, who the hell is living in this flat then?!

"Nicolas!" The woman cries before turning around. "There's someone at the door for you!"

The fucking Prince of Sweden is living here?! This is a 25 million pound flat! Why the fuck did Oliver give it to him?! "Hang on." The blonde shuts the door in front of my eyes.

I look at Ralph next to me who seems just as confused as me. Where the hell is Oliver?!

The door swings open again and I stare at a blonde tall man with dark blue eyes. He's also half naked but at least he put on pants unlike his fucking buddy. "Nicolas, I assume." I breathe out.

"Josephine Bolton, what a pleasure to meet you in real person. Though, if you're hoping to see Oliver, you're hoping in vain."

"Where is he? In Notting Hill?" I can't believe Oliver gave Nicolas this flat and decided to have the shitty one in Notting Hill instead!

"Try a bit further west..."

"I don't understand."

"Rio."

"He's back in Brazil?"

Nicolas nods, "The FEDs caught him the evening he came back to our flat in Notting Hill. He didn't fight them, but gave me the key to this place instead. I was safe now, thanks to you giving me the job at the foundation."

I frown, "I don't understand, what do you mean the FEDs caught him?"

"Sweetie, Oliver's an illegal immigrant. He's been here for two years, working his ass off to get his family here. He has no paper, came inside of a container in Dover along with a few dozen other immigrants."

My mind is blank for a moment. Oliver's not an illegal immigrant! He has a job here. He is making honest money! "No, I don't think-"

"He was here illegally with no hope of getting asylum. And the FEDs caught him. If you're asking me I'd say he was pretty damn lucky to have worked here unnoticed by the government for as long as he did. But now he's back home with his family. I mean, what's really waiting for him here now anyway? Heartache?"

Suddenly the pieces start coming together. Him asking for not being on the flight plan, him sending cash money to his family in Brazil, him living with Nicolas, a former 'illegal immigrant', him not wanting to be on the paper of this buyer's contract, Wlad not finding anything about him - it all adds up now! Gosh, how could I have been so blind! Why didn't I get the bloody hints! Why didn't I see it?

And now a freaking Swedish prince in living in that flat.

"Get out!" I hiss at him.

"Oliver gave me this flat-"

"I said GET OUT! This is my fucking flat! I bought it for him! It's my name on the contract and I prohibit you from living here and fucking every blonde bitch you meet!" I yell so loudly that Nicolas winces.

"But I-"

"Fuck you!" I hiss at him again.

Nicolas looks at the boxes next to me, "Are these for me at least?"

That's when my left fist hits his nose. Nicolas falls to the floor with the force of my hit. How dare he live this lavish lifestyle while his so-called friend is living in Brazil! "I'll be back in an hour. You better be gone when I return or that bloody nose will be the least of your worries." I hiss at him before looking at Ralph, who looks shocked but also proud. "We're taking these to the nearest homeless shelter."

---

"What can I do for you today?" My hairstylist Kristen asks me. "Your hair has grown so much since the last time I saw you!" She runs her hands through my chestnut waves. I'm in Larry King's hair salon in South Kensington. I needed this after I dropped off the boxes at the homeless shelter with Ralph. The salon has a lounge like vibe without excluding luxury. I'm having champagne with caviar and truffle butter on homemade sourdough bread. Later on, I'll be having my usual coffee and scones with strawberry marmalade and clotted cream.

My hair really did grow a lot. We saw each other four months ago and now my hair has reached my butt. I look at my reflection in the mirror. "I want it shorter." I decide as I look at my tanned skin and light caramel coloured hair. After three weeks of spending my time on French Cay and in Mexico, being as far away from Oliver as possible, I am ready for Jo 2.0.

"Shorter? Sure. How about navel length of bra length?"

"I was thinking about collarbone or shorter. Maybe ears."

Kristen's green eyes widen, "This short?"

"Yeah. A bob, lob or whatever that haircut is called."

"Y-Yeah I can do that. But what do you want to do with all this beautiful hair?"

"You guys donate to a company who makes wigs for cancer patient right?" I ask back

She nods. "You want to donate your hair?"

"Yes. It's healthy and long. Someone else needs my hair more than I do." I couldn't give what Oliver so baldy needed from me, but I can give a woman what she so desperately seeks for.

"Okay. I'll use thermal scissors to cut your hair. It'll ensure you won't get split ends because the heat seals the ends. So when your hair grows out and rubs against your shoulders, the ends won't roughen and create split ends. We'll do the usual Olaplex, Fusio Dose, Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer and the Caviar Boosting Treatment. Do you want to colour your hair?"

"No but a gloss would be nice." I answer. It's my usual when I come here. Not everything has to change. Besides, my hair has a light caramel colour now anyways. It comes from being in the sun for three weeks straight.

"We could do a facial while the gloss and the masks are doing their magic. The Radio Frequency Facial would be perfect for your skin. Melanie is free."

"Sounds like a great plan." I smile at her. The Radio Frequency Facial is a tightening facial with hyaluronic collagen mask.

"Perfect!"

---

Two hours later, I stare at my reflection in the mirror again. But I see a whole different woman. My light caramel coloured hair is cut into a stylish lob. My hair ends now at my shoulders. It's a bit longer in the front than in the back. Kristen styled my hair into beach waves but it looks like my natural hair texture. We've cut over 25 inches of hair. One woman will be lucky with the 25 inches of perfectly healthy light caramel coloured wavy hair. My old hair will make a great wig.

"Do you like it?"

I run my fingers through my hair. There's barely anything to run my fingers through compared to what it used to feel like. The heaviness is gone.

My baggage is gone.

Instead, it's a fresh, light, glossy and new cut. A new me.

"Yes." I decide and smile. My skin is glowing thanks to the facial. I even got a pedicure and manicure while the treatments were in my hair and Kristen cut it.

Kristen smiles. "You're going to make one woman very lucky. Maybe one day you will even spot her walking through the streets, wearing a wig made out of your hair."

Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I feel better now.

I feel ready for my life after Oliver.

Flashback

"When will you see that I fucking love you?!" He yells at me so loudly that I actually wince.

It feels like a wrecking ball coming out of nowhere. It hits me so hard that I am speechless for a moment. "What?" I ask him shocked. "Y-you love me?" I stutter.

"Yes, of course I do!" He starts gesturing with his hands. "Why do you think I agreed to a 16 week long arrangement?! Why do you think I allowed you to fuck this other-"

"You didn't allow me anything! I am not your property! You don't tell me what to do!" I set the record straight. "This was an arrangement not a relationship-"

"God, Jo!" He growls before burying his fingers in his hair.

It's the first time he called me Jo.

And I hate it.

Silence fills the big space of my home. It's cold and scary. I can feel it crawling up my spine until it starts clenching around my heart.

He loves me. He can't do that.

"I never wanted this to happen." I whisper after a few minutes of silence.

Oliver sits down on the grey U shaped couch across the open fireplace. "I know." He says as he stares at the floor underneath my bare feet. He buries his long fingers into dirty blonde his hair that has grown a lot over the last four months. It's not as long as when we met but it's already reaching his ears. I like his hair like that.

"I didn't want romance or soft and squishy feelings. I needed this to be clean, strict and pleasurable."

"I know." He repeats before looking up. His pine green eyes stare into mine and I watch them transition into the sea green colour that I've come to like so much over the last four months. "But you cannot outrun your fears; they always catch up with you."

As always, he hits a bullseye with his words. I shift my weight to my right foot and uncross my arms. "You can't love me." I voice my biggest fear. It's standing like an elephant in the room.

"But I do."

I sigh before walking over to him. I drop to my knees and sit down between his legs. "Look, I really enjoyed our time. I really, really did." I carefully pull his fingers out of his hair and wrap my hands around them, knowing his hands are almost twice the size of mine. "But this can't go on now. Not when I'm hurting you. I don't want to hurt you. You mean too much to me to hurt you." And I would hurt him again if we continued with this arrangement. Edward's charm is too strong, I'd sleep with him again when I meet him. That's unfair to Oliver. He doesn't deserve this pain. I never promised faithfulness but I also never thought I'd meet Edward along the way. Ed does something unexplainable to me and I can't seem to stay away from him even if I tried harder. This arrangement doesn't work anymore. We still have a few weeks left but they're meaningless now. It would only hurt him more.

"But not enough to return my feelings."

Honestly, I don't know. I don't know what Oliver means to me but I do know that he means something to me. The sex is the best I ever had and clearly we enjoy spending time together outside of the bedroom.

But love?

I don't know. I don't even know if I can feel that way. I haven't felt that way in 24 years, so why would I feel that now? My focus has always been on my career, not on kids, marriage and love. I never wanted that.

But I never had the chance to either.

"I don't know how I feel about you, Oliver. I know I enjoy spending time with you but honestly, I don't think I'm going to be able to return your feelings. Ever."

"Why don't you fight for love? You're a coward. You're afraid of love. Of me! Maybe-"

"No, Oliver, we have to stop seeing each other. It's hurting you and hurting you is the last thing I want."

He stares at me with his stunning eyes that I have come to enjoy looking at so much. "I can't leave you." He whispers with a sea of tears glittering in his eyes.

My lower lip starts shaking with emotions I didn't know I had. "You're not leaving me. I am asking you to go." My voice is so quiet and broken that I don't think he even heard me.

"I don't want to live a life without you in it."

I brush through his sandy blonde hair, knowing it will be the last time. "Well if you want to see me, you just have to walk over to a newsstand."

He doesn't smile at my joke. Instead he grabs my hand and kisses my fingertips. "I will never forget you."

"I will never forget our time either." I promise him with a heavy heart.

End of Flashback

This whirlwind romance wasn't going to last. The raging inferno got the best of us. Perhaps it's for the best that Oliver's back in Brazil, back with his family. He missed them very much and now he's reunited with them. His life might not be as it used to, but I'm sure he's happier without me.

---

I unlock the door of the flat that was meant to be Oliver's. I walk into the empty flat and see that Nicolas has left it untouched. The golden key to the flat has been left on the drawer in the foyer. At least Nicolas is gone. I don't care that Oliver gave it to him. This is not Nicolas' flat. It's Oliver's.

And maybe one day he might come back to this country and then I want him to have a home and a financial cushion for his plans.

I walk through the hallway and check all bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms. Nicolas has even made all beds and left everything as he found it three weeks ago. At least, he tidied up everything.

I walk through the open living area with the open kitchen and slide the doors to the balcony open. I step out and feel a breeze blowing through my short hair. The sun is shining like it's a normal summer day. The water of the river Thames in front of me is glittering like always. The sky scrapers that are surrounding me and the London Eye is sparkling on this cloudless warm day. Private boats, ranging in size from dinghies to cabin cruisers, dot the anchorages near the shore. It's the same view I have, just a tiny less spectacular. I lean against the glass railing and inhale deeply.

Oliver's happy, wherever he is. Because he's with his family. Far away from me. He's safe from my demons and will never know of the skeletons in my closet.

Oliver and I weren't meant to be.

---

"So, when am I going to meet your parents?" Edward asks me with a cocky grin on his lips.

I let my eyes travel down his naked body before slowly moving up again. He knows what buttons to push to make me come. He's the best replacement I found so far. Maybe that's why I've been sticking to him for the last three weeks. Maybe that's why I called him over to Mexico when I ran away from London. The second everything got too much I escaped to the tropical island of French Cay and Akumal with Edward. I needed to know if I only slept with him because of Oliver or if there was really something between us. After three weeks of fucking non-stop I had my answer.

Oliver has nothing to do with my addiction to Edward Rothschild. So, I decided to give him and I a chance. A chance Oliver and I never had. Never could have had. Because I can give Edward what I couldn't give Oliver.

Ed makes me feel less shallow and for a moment I even forget what happened. My eyes dance up his shredded body before I meet his bright blue eyes that are similar to mine. He has light blonde hair and just like with me, his last name is written all over his face as well. He's a Rothschild, a part of one of the most powerful families in the world. He's a good catch and a brilliant match to my last name. A union would make both families happy and create a kind of power that never existed before.

"I don't kiss and tell. You know that."

"But we're not just kissing. We've been outside of our flats, too. We've been photographed together at various restaurants. I think your parents are already assuming we're dating."

"Except we're not."

"We're not just fucking either. Not since we came back from Mexico anyway." He counters before raising his left eyebrow at me. "I don't know why this is such a big deal for you. We're a brilliant match in and outside the bed. Our families would get along very well, we're practically on the same page when to comes to our finances. You're hot and I'm hot as well. Don't you like what we have?"

"I do but I like it exactly as it is."

"Why haven't I met any of your friends yet?"

"You know Char. She's my best friend."

"I know her as the Duchess of Windsor, not your best friend."

I sigh, "I just like to keep you all to myself. Is that so bad?"

He shows me a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. "No, not at all but I think after three weeks we can start expanding our horizon."

"I like what we have. It's enough for me."

"But not for me." He runs his left fingers through his hair, "My parents want to meet you tomorrow for dinner."

I laugh because of the absurdity in his words. "No, they don't."

"Yes, they do. They came all the way from Bath to meet you. Hélène Darroze at the Connaught. Eight sharp."

"Edward, I'm not doing this."

"Well, then I'm not doing this anymore." He insists. He thinks he can push me into this. Well, he's wrong.

"I won't come."

"You won't find another man like me, Jo. I'm putting up with all the NDA shit because I know damn well how careful you have to be in this world, especially with our last names. But I'm telling you, what we have is unique. There's a chemistry there. There's fire between us. There has been since we met in Paris. Now that the other man is out of the picture, it's time for us. We get along really well, don't we?"

"Ed,"

"Don't we?" He pushes me.

I sigh and roll over on my stomach. "I'm not the kind of woman you introduce to your family. I am not wife potential. I've never been and I never will be."

Surprisingly, he smiles at me. "See, that's exactly why you're so special. I could have any model fresh from the runway but I choose to spend my time with you in my bed. I haven't even touched another woman since our weekend in France. Why do you think I've been doing this for the last weeks?"

"I don't care why. I live in the moment. I don't date. I don't even make plans for the next morning!" I explain to him. "I won't sit at the dining table with your parents and talk about the plans for the future. Because I have none."

"It's why I love you so much."

I can feel how the colour of my face slowly drains. "What?!"

"You really thought I wouldn't fall for a gorgeous woman as you? Come on, Jo! You're hot, your pussy is heaven, you will be running the royal social media accounts, you don't only have an Oxford diploma but one from Harvard as well! What else could a man want? Oh and you're as rich as me, so our prenup would be pretty safe."

Prenup?! Where the hell is this coming from?! "Edward," I lift myself off of his bed. "I don't love you. I enjoy you. I enjoy being with you a lot but love... that's not in the picture. And the same goes for marriage."

"Yet. I know you, Jo. You just need your time to get used to the idea. It took me two weeks to get you out of the bed and into the public with me by your side. I waited five weeks to see you again and now we've been seeing each other for weeks already. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a patient man. Because I know what I'm worth and I know you know what you're worth. You don't settle for anything less - just like me. It's why we're so perfect together."

I shake my head, "No, I can't do this."

"I'm not asking you to marry me. I am asking you to meet my parents tomorrow."

"Equally as bad if you ask me." I climb out of his bed and start collecting my clothes from the floor. I find my black wrap dress pretty quickly but I have no idea where my panties are. Or bra. Or shoes.

"Josephine, don't be such a scaredy-cat." He says as I put on the dress to hide my naked body from his view. "Let's not forget the fun we had just ten minutes ago. I've made you come three times."

"I don't care how many times you made me come. I won't meet your parents or anyone else from your family on a personal level. If you can't put up with this, then the contract has ended as of today."

"Don't forget I've never signed this NDA. I only read it. I didn't agree on the rules or anything other stated in this contract. We are seeing each other monogamously on free will. We are dating."

"We are not dating! We are fucking! And I don't meet the parents of my fucking buddy!"

"We are more than fucking buddies. You are my girlfriend."

"I am not your girlfriend!" I hiss. I don't even know why I'm fighting with him right now.

"Yes you are and as such I will introduce you to my parents so this hide and seek game can finally come to an end!"

"Fuck you!"

"I'm going to let you sleep on these words. You'll change your mind."

"I won't. You know how stubborn I am, I never change my mind."

"That's what you said before we had our first date."

"I don't care what I said back then." I finally spot one of my two black Chanel stilettos. I pick the black velvet shoe up by the white pearled heel and slip into it. "Where's my other shoe?" I ask him as I continue scanning his bedroom with hardwood floors and mahogany furniture. I spot it next to Edward on the floor.

He picks the shoe up before I can get my hands on it. "You'll get your shoe if you agree to have dinner with me tomorrow."

"You mean with you and your parents." I point out and reach forward to grab the shoe out of his right hand. But he moves back. "You know what? Fuck you! I'll go barefoot and without my underwear on. I won't let you blackmail me!" I hiss before turning on my heel and storming out of his bedroom. I stop in his white living room with the same hardwood floors, that's offering a view over Hyde Park through the transom windows. I spot my black panties on his white piano. I have no idea how they ended up there but I quickly rush over there and get into them.

Then I grab my black Chanel purse off the parquet next to his dark red velvet couch.

"Jo,"

I twirl around at the sound of my name. Edward is standing across me in all of his naked glory, holding my right black Chanel stiletto by the heel that is made out of white pearls. His abs are glittering in the rays of the sun that's coming through the many transom windows. His wide shoulders are prominent and his legs are in top shape as well. But that's nothing compared to the cock he has. He definitely knows how to use it.

Damn, he's hot!

My anger starts boiling away. I watch how he walks over to me, the way he moves his long lean legs and the way his abs shift to support his upper body...

He hands me my right shoe. "I'm asking for an evening with my parents. Not a lifetime of happiness."

I take the shoe out of his hands. "I'm still saying no. There's a reason why I don't want to know everything about your life. Charity and sex - that's the base of this. The sex is awesome and we should stick to that. Let's stick to what works for us."

"But maybe other stuff works for us as well. Dates work for us and I think my parents would be very fond of you as well. Just like their son."

"Edward,"

"This dinner won't kill you. Remember back in Paris? We've had amazing three days. You enjoyed our dates. Why are you so closed up now? You've got nothing to loose. If all goes bad, you've wasted an hour of your life on this."

I let out a sigh, "I'm not your girlfriend."

He places his warm hands on my shoulders, "No, Josephine Bolton, there's no category in which you fit in. You were born to stand out. You were born to be remarkable. You-"

I shut him off with my lips. As he returns my kiss, I am once again reminded of the chemistry he talked about earlier. There is something between us. Our bodies get along very well and sometimes our minds do as well. "One hour." I say and slip into the shoe.

He grins at his triumph, "One hour." He agrees with me.

I slip into the shoe, now being as tall as him. "Stop with that grin."

"I like winning."

"You didn't win. I want a reward for my sacrifice."

He nods before kissing me again. "Côte d'Azure for the weekend?"

I smile, "That sounds nice. We'll take your jet."

"I love making deals with you."

"And I love having you between my legs, so we're even. But don't expect me to return the favour and introduce you to my parents. Because I won't do that."

He brushes through my short waves as he gives me that dreamy look, which sells tabloids all over the world. "Okay."

For some reason I don't think he believes me.

---

I wake up to the shrilling sound of my alarm. Oliver had changed it to tweeting birds and ocean waves but I had to change it back after I broke us up. It was another night when I dreamt of dancing with Oliver. The dances vary, sometimes it is a hot rumba, other times it's a waltz. There was even one time when we just swung to the music. My brain has memorised Oliver so much that my subconscious can create situations that never happened. I don't have sex with him in my dreams. I don't even kiss him. All I do is dance with him, while starring deeply into his eyes.

I hate these nights. I hate waking up alone in my bed in my big penthouse. I feel the loneliest I've ever felt.

Maybe that's why I stuck to Ed's place in Kensington for the last weeks.

I get out of my bed and totter into my bathroom. Everywhere I look, I see Oliver. And if I can't see him, I smell him. It's ridiculous. It's been over three bloody weeks!

I get into my shower and turn on the water. I'm always sweaty when I wake up from those dreams. I also feel more tired than restful. The only time I don't dream of Oliver is when I'm sleeping next to Ed. He's my protection shield.

Maybe I should move in with him. Because I am done with these dreams, those sweaty nights and the shallow feeling afterwards when I wake up. It's too energy consuming. I can't move on properly.

---

I brush through my short hair as I stare at my clothes in my dressing room. I've filled the wall that was Oliver's with new silk Hermes scarves. The walnut shelves and cupboards are full of designer clothes yet for tonight it's not enough. There are dresses from Valentino, Carolina Herrera and Dior hanging in front of me, but none of them seem good enough.

Shit, I'm actually nervous!

There's only one person in the world that can help me now.

I pick up my phone from the grey marbled island and call my sister. She picks up after the third ring. "I don't know what to wear." I say as I place the iPhone against a black box from Chanel so she can see me.

"For what?" Ana asks me. She has wrapped her blonde hair into a bun. Her big green eyes are sparkling as much as the diamond studs on her earlobes. She looks polished as always.

"For... a dinner."

Her eyes widen and she leans back in her chair, "A date? Since when are you dating?" She's working in her office. "I thought after you broke up with Oliver, you stopped with the dating."

"I'm not dating... I'm just... you know." I mumble. I haven't told anyone about Edward. None of my family members know about my love life.

"Jo,"

"Okay, fine maybe I am." I tell her with a shrug. "Yes, I definitely am."

Ana grins at me, "What's his name?"

"Edward."

"Rothschild? You're dating Edward Rothschild again?" She asks me surprised. I think even she didn't see Edward and me happening in the future. I didn't see him and I happening as well. Quite frankly, after Paris and Nate's wedding to Char, I couldn't let him go. "That's one of the most powerful families in the world."

"I know."

"Then why are you so nervous about this date?"

She sees right through me. She always has. It's why I love her so much. "Because he wants to introduce me to his parents. They came all the way from Bath just to see me."

"You haven't met his parents yet?"

"No and he hasn't met mine either. Obviously." I roll my eyes at my own words.

"Do you like him?"

"He's very charming." I say with a shrug. "He's obviously eloquent and intellectual... He's very good in bed as well."

Ana chuckles, "Sex is not everything."

"You're one to talk to! Della told me how you acted when you met Sasha in Marrakesh. You guys fucked the very first chance you had!"

My sister blushes, "Well, the chemistry was there from the very first moment."

"See? We have a similar chemistry. The sex is breathtaking and we actually get along outside the bedroom as well but meeting his parents... it's kind of daunting."

"And now you need me to help you decide what to wear?"

I nod, "Yes."

"Okay. Where are you meeting?"

"Hélène Darroze at the Connaught."

"Fancy."

"Of course. They're Rothschilds."

"Right... How about the pale blue Gabbana dress?"

I pick up the fitted dress behind me and look at it. "No."

"The black Valentino?" She asks me. "The little black dress is a safe choice."

I pick up the black Valentino dress. It's fitted but has ruffles on the short sleeves and the v neckline in the front. The last time I wore it was on Oliver's birthday. It's time to make new memories with it. "I like it."

"Pair it with Louboutins and a Chanel bag. The classic flap. That should work." She tells me. "Wear grey eyeshadow. It will look good with your blue eyes."

I nod. "Okay. Thank you."

"And have fun tonight. Don't think too much." She says before she hangs up.

---

An hour later, I find myself in front of Hélène Darroze at the Connaught with Edward by my side. He picked me up from home, probably to make sure I'll really be there, and his driver drove us here in a black Rolls-Royce.

Still, I have no idea how I got here.

"Ready?" He asks me while squeezing my hand.

"No." I answer honestly as I stare at the door of the restaurant.

"Thank you for doing this. I know what big of a deal it is." He whispers before kissing my left cheek. "You look wonderful tonight, by the way."

Of course I look wonderful. Valentino always looks wonderful on me. "An hour." I remind him as I meet his gaze. I don't know why but this man stares at me in the same way that Wlad stares at Della or George at Rory, Sasha at Ana and Nate at Char.

It should make me feel special, but I don't feel that way. Instead, I feel so nervous that I fear I might throw up. My heart is beating so fast that I think it might jump up my oesophagus - and the fact that suddenly medical terms come to my mind that I used to quiz Rory on when she studied for her exams just highlights my nervousness even more.

"An hour and not a minute longer. I promise." He says before kissing my left hand.

I tear my gaze off of the restaurant door. "Good and lots of orgasms afterwards."

"As many as you want." He whispers as we walk inside.

I can't believe I'm doing this. I've never been the girlfriend kind of woman and now look at me... I'm meeting my boyfriend's parents.

We walk past the many round tables that have red roses and candles on them. This is definitely a restaurant for the upper class, so I know I'll love everything that's on the menu. But I'm so nervous that I don't even feel hungry.

And suddenly, in the middle of the room I freeze.

"Jo?"

"I can't do this." I whisper.

"Yes you can, Jo. You can do this."

I look at Edward. "I'm not your girlfriend."

"We've had this conversation before. We are in a relationship."

"Says who?"

"Says me and you. You agreed to-"

Suddenly a waiter comes over to us, "Miss, is there a problem?"

I look at the waiter before looking at Edward again. "No."

Edward offers me his hand and I take it. Maybe this is not wrong. It's just new. It's a change... the next step in our relationship.

Damn, I am his girlfriend.

"Have you calmed down?" Edward asks me as we walk down the narrow hallway that has lots of doors for the private dinners that can be held here. The lights are dimmer and the paintings hanging here are bloody expensive. Of course the Rothschilds booked one of the private dinner rooms.

I nod, "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I panicked."

He stops in the hallway and places his hands on my shoulders. "I know this isn't easy for you. You're not good with change but trust me, this will be good. You will blow my parents away. First with your smoking hot appearance and then with your brilliant mind. This is right." He says into my eyes before pressing his forehead against mine. "You and me... this is right."

I nod, feeling a weird sense of peace. This does feel right. It just scared me for a moment.

"Ready to meet my parents?"

I nod before shaking my head. "I need a little encouragement."

He stares deeply into my sky blue eyes. "I'll do anything for you. You know that."

"Repeat the words you said to me in bed yesterday." I whisper. I may not be able to say them but I do like to hear it from him.

"Here?"

"Yes."

"Now?"

"Yes. Otherwise I may want to run again." I breathe into his face.

"I love you." He whispers.

"Again."

"I love you." He repeats before cupping my face. "I love you with all that I have." He promises me.

A kind of warmth spreads in my chest that I've never felt before. Not even with Oliver. It calms me down. It gives me peace for a split second. "Okay. Let's meet your parents."

His smile is worth the anxiety that I'm feeling right now. "Okay." He says before kissing me quickly.

I couldn't make Oliver happy but I sure as hell can make Edward happy. I intertwine my fingers with his before he opens the large black door. Hannah and Victor Rothschild are sitting around a square shaped black table with a white tablecloth. There's a candle burning and an open bottle of wine in an ice bucket. Victor is wearing a black suit that's surely tailored to his body. His wife is wearing a champagne coloured suit that consists of a blazer and a matching skirt. Her nude shoes are by Dior. Her blonde hair is wrapped into a chignon.

Edward definitely has his hair colour from his Mom but the rest is from his father Victor, including the eyes.

Hannah rises from her chair, "Oh you must be Josephine Ophelia Elise Bolton."

She's throwing my full name at me? "Yes, I am." I return her smile as I walk over to her. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Rothschild."

"Oh, call me Hannah!" She says with a grin as she embraces me. "You're such a beautiful young lady!"

I blush and turn my attention to Edward's father. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Rothschild." I hold out my hand.

He shakes it with a firm grip so I don't hide my firmness either. "Strong handshake, Miss Bolton." He says with a smile on his lips. Unlike his wife, his hair is already grey and he has wrinkles in his face. I know that their age difference is 20 years and I remember their relationship rising controversy in the beginning. But when you're in your 50s and 70s, age is just a number.

"Thank you but you can call me Jo."

"Jo?" Hannah asks me in a high pitched voice.

"Yes, Jo, mother. It's what I call her as well." Edward says to her in a firm voice that matched my handshake.

"Alright, Jo then." She nods before sitting down again.

Edward pulls the chair out for me. He's never been this gentlemen like in public before. "Thank you." I say before sitting down across Hannah Rothschild.

Edward sits down across his father.

"We've already ordered. Steaks for the men and salads for us." Hannah smiles at me.

For a second I don't believe her words. Salads for us? Does she think a steak is going to make us fat?! "Perfect!" I force my lips to form a grin. I look at the table and notice the open wine bottle is not for Hannah and me since we don't have wine glasses. Our glasses are already filled with water. It's for Edward and his father.

Victor fills up Edwards wine glass.

I look at Ed next to me and show him my confusion. Does he expect me to stay sober? Through the whole dinner?

Without a word Ed slides the glass over to me.

Hannah eyes his movement before looking at me. Great, now she thinks her son's girlfriend is an alcoholic.

Whatever, I can't please everyone.

"So... Jo, tell me a little about yourself." Victor says to me.

Is this a job interview?! I'm not applying to become his wife! "Well, I am currently still working in my family's firm but I will work for the Royals soon. I will run their social media accounts." I tell her without thinking it through. I haven't even talked to Rory about my wish to work for her, but I'm already telling it Ed'd parents? What is wrong with me?! I must be really nervous!

"The Royals? How exciting!"

"Why did you chose to work for your sister and your brother over your family's firm?" Victor asks me in a hostile voice.

"Dad,"

"What? Can't I ask your girlfriend why she chose a job she isn't qualified for? She studied business and economics at Oxford before doing her masters in social media at Harvard. She graduated as best of her class from both universities! Why would she do Royalty when she can obviously do so much better?!" He asks his son before looking at me. He's clearly not a fan of the Royals, although he attends every important social event like garden parties at Buckingham, Royal Ascot, Trooping the Colour and the dinner afterwards... he even gets invited to christenings and private parties.

Maybe he doesn't like the royals because they remind him of what he is missing out on. After all, it was his great-great grandma that gave up her title for love. It was the biggest sacrifice there is at the time.

Someone definitely did his homework.

I gulp, "Well, I have worked at Bolton's Enterprises for eight months but recently decided to focus more on helping to build the brand of the heir family and the Windsors. I was head of the social media team of Bolton's Enterprises before choosing to lead the social media team of the Oxfords. The work I do there is less focused on..." I search for the right word for a moment, "on pleasing the client."

"That sounds very lovely." Hannah says with a wide smile on her lips. "I mean, family help one another. It's nice to know you're still close with your sister and brother. Despite their new roles, which are significant for the monarchy's survival."

"And doing secret finance campaigns for the Academy." Victor says to me in an icy cold voice.

What the fuck is wrong with this man?! His own son is doing good by helping people all over the world, yet he sees my work which focuses on raising awareness on certain issues as a waste of time! "No, the Bolton Academy finances itself. It has nothing to do with the Royals. We keep that strictly separated."

"I heard from that special school. Mixing up our bloodline with... with them."

"With them?!" I echo his words, not hiding my shock. "I'm sorry but are we back in the 18th century?!"

"Jo,"

"No." I hiss at Edward. "Doing social work was the best decision I ever made. It feels good to give back and to mix bloodlines!"

"He didn't mean that." Ed says before looking at his father.

Victor clears his throat, "Social work is important, that's out of the question but it's not a job suitable for a woman like you."

"A woman like me?" Who the hell does he think he is?!

"A well educated woman that comes from a very well known and powerful family. You should sit in an office of a top financial company not in a castle, working for your siblings. You're better than this."

"Sir, with all respect, what I do with my time is non of your business. I have the freedom to decide what I want to dedicate my life to. I'm not working to make money, I have enough of it in case you didn't notice." I tell him while clenching my teeth.

Edward grabs my hand and squeezes it to calm me down.

I look at him. Where the hell did he drag me into?!

"Your bank account is non of mine concerns, Miss Bolton." Victor's voice catches my attention again.

I lean forward, "Then what exactly is your concern about me, Mr. Rothschild?" I ask him directly.

"I'm afraid you're no match for my son."

I laugh at the absurdity of his words, "I am no match for your son?" I repeat his words in disgust. "I think your son can speak for himself."

"Yes I can-"

I shut Ed by rising my hand. "Victor, I understand you want a woman that is on eye level for your son. I understand you want a woman of a worthy bloodline to use your words, a woman who's from a good household. I also understand your wife's fear of me being too modern and not conservative enough - and her fear is correct. I am not the one who shuts up, cooks all day in the kitchen and stays home all day. I am not an arm candy. Actually, it's the other way around. Edward will be my arm candy where ever we go. I am a Bolton. I will not bow down or curtsy to anyone but the King himself. I stand my ground and Edward likes that about me. It's why he..." I lick my lips. "It's why he's with me and why he wanted us to meet."

Victoria leans back in his chair. "You're a very interesting young woman, Miss Bolton."

I frown at his words. "I don't think you understood me."

"Oh, I understood you very clearly, Miss Bolton." He says to me before looking at Edward. "And I'm saying yes."

"Yes?" His wife asks him shocked.

"I'm sorry, what?" I ask confused.

"Really?" Edward asks Victor.

What the hell is going on here?!

"Yes." Victor says with a nod. "She's got fire. You need that to wash your head every once in a while."

"She is still here. Sitting at the table." I explode. Where the hell am I?! "But she is leaving right now!" I rise from the chair and nearly knock off the table.

"Jo,"

"No, this is... this is crazy. I didn't..." I am actually lost for words. I knew I shouldn't have said yes to meeting them! "I'm leaving. I would say it was a pleasure to meet you, but it really wasn't. So... Thank you for making this evening unforgettable, Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild." I nod and turn on my heel.

But Edward grabs my hand and stops me. "I'm coming with you." He promises me as he rises from the chair. "I'll talk to you guys later." He says to his parents before opening the door for me.

I walk through the door without looking back. This evening was a disaster. I twist my hand out of Edward's grip and rush down the hallway.

"Jo, wait!"

"Not now." I hiss at Edward as he runs after me. We walk through the public part of the restaurant in which so many people have decided to enjoy their dinner tonight. Suddenly, I notice the paparazzi that have accumulated in front of the restaurant. One of the guests must've recognised me and posted it on Instagram or Twitter or something. They start taking photos the instant one of them notices me. A wall of flashlights starts filling the restaurant.

Fuck!

I can feel Edward grabbing my hand before walking forward, dragging me behind him. We walk to the exit and greet the photographers that will make a mint from just these few seconds. Up until today, the world had no idea we were seeing each other.

But I guess the cat's now out of the sack.

"Jo! Edward! How long have you been seeing each other?!"

"Did you enjoy your date?"

"How was the food?"

"What did you had?"

"What are you wearing, Jo?"

The flashlights blend my vision. I should be used to them but I'm really not. It was horrible before and after Rory's wedding and the interest in me has even grown by the time Nate married Charlotte. Since I'm the only unmarried Bolton left - aside from the little ones who are safe at Le Rosey - the press is going nuts about me! They paired me up with so many men over the last months and I was fine with that because they were false rumours but this... Edward and me are for real.

And I hate them intruding.

I hold on to Edward's hand even tighter and hide behind his broad shoulders as I allow him to lead the way through this wall of flashlights. I feel safe behind him, sharing this crazy experience with him makes me feel better.

Suddenly, a black Jaguar pulls up and I notice Ralph sitting behind the wheel. He's a life safer!

Edward opens the back door and I climb in. Edward shuts the door and walks around the Jaguar before getting in on the other side.

"Ralph, you're a life safer! How did you know I would need you?" I ask him, feeling more than grateful.

"I called him and told him to be on stand by. I had a feeling you might run." Edward explains as Ralph drives off.

"Run?!" I hiss at Edward. "I did not run away! Your family hates me!"

"No, they don't." He ensures me and grabs my hands.

"Your Mum wants me to be like her and your father thinks I'm a threat to your family, status and wealth. Really, how can he think I'm after your money or status?! I'm a Bolton - You need me to climb the social ladder not the other way around."

"Wow, I almost forgot how arrogant you can be!" He breathes out.

"It's not arrogance. It's the truth." I remind him. "Your family controls the finance world but my family rules the world."

"Jo,"

"I knew this was a bad idea! I shouldn't have agreed to meeting them. This was a disaster!"

"Jo, look at me." Edward says in a firm voice and I stare at his turquoise eyes. "Does this feel like a disaster right now?"

"No." I whisper.

"I knew this was going to be hard for you but I... I didn't realise how much." He explains. "So, I'm sorry for making you meet my parents. It was too soon..."

It really was.

"But I'm just so proud of what we have and I wanted to share that... and show my parents how happy you make me."

"That didn't really come across tonight."

He chuckles, "No... I guess we have to try again."

"Maybe with my parents this time." I say with a smirk on my lips.

"Your parents? You really want me to meet them?"

"Yes." The cat's out of the sack anyway. My parents probably already know about Edward anyway. It will only be a matter of time until they demand to meet him.

"Okay. I feel honoured. I'm sure this meeting will be better than this." He says with a smile on his lips. "You know what they say, behind every strong man stands an even stronger woman."

"Except I will never stand behind you, I will stand next to you." I remind him.

He lets go of my hands and suddenly kisses me. He seals his lips over mine with such passion, that I almost forget how to breathe. Within a second, I am sitting on his lap, kissing him like there's no tomorrow. With just one kiss, he made me forget everything that happened.

---

I wake up the next morning in Edward's warm bed in South Kensington. The transom windows across me offer a view of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. Last night was hefty. I didn't expected the first meeting with his parents to turn into a disaster. Edward promised me I would charm them, but turns out he was wrong. Very wrong. I did the opposite of it.

I stare at Edward who is sleeping next to me. He made up for this horrible meeting the whole night, no wonder he's dog tired this morning. It's Sunday, which means tomorrow is my official first day back at Bolton's Enterprises. My parents don't know that yet, but after today's talk with Rory and George, tomorrow will also be my last day at Bolton's Enterprises.

The firm of my parents just doesn't feel right at the moment. I can't work in that job anymore. I need a fresh start. Edward and my new haircut is part of that fresh start and a new job is as well.

I slowly get out of the bed and walk into the ensuite bathroom. It's much smaller than the bathroom in my penthouse, but I like it. It's cute. I've come to terms that I don't need so much space for me alone. Besides, here in Edward's place I feel free and happy.

It's something my penthouse doesn't provide me anymore.

---

With a towel turban on my head and a towel wrapped around my chest, I walk back into the bedroom. The bed is empty. Edward is already awake. I quickly slip into the extra underwear that I keep in one of his drawers before pulling out a pair of skinny jeans and a white shirt that I forgot when I slept over sometime last week. It comes very in handy now. I quickly get changed before I walk out of the bedroom. The smell of cooking eggs with bacon fills the hallway, so I decide to follow the smell which leads me into the kitchen that's at the end of the hallway.

I spot Edward standing behind the stove with his left hand wrapped around the handle of a pan. He's making me eggs with bacon, how very thoughtful of him! The crisp bacon is already on a plate and the little round table in his kitchen is already filled with two cups of steaming hot coffee, two glasses filled with orange juice and two issues of the Huffington Post.

This man really knows me by now.

With a smile on my lips I walk over to Ed, who is still only in his black boxer briefs, and kiss him. "Good morning, handsome man."

He shows me a smile that makes my heart stop a beat. "Good morning, beautiful."

I pick up a piece of crisp bacon before putting it into my mouth, "What did I do to deserve breakfast from you?"

"You put up with my bullshit parents last night." He says as he fills two plates with scrambled eggs.

"Oh, you made up for that the whole night."

"Still, doesn't feel enough. Sit down."

I pick up the plate with the crispy bacon from the counter space next to the stove and sit down across him. His kitchen is really small compared to mine, but I like it. It gives me less room to run away. "I'm going to see Rory and George today. To talk about a job."

Edward takes a sip of his black coffee, "You don't have to worry about it. I'm sure Rory and George will be delighted to work with you. Besides, you're a social media queen. You'll boost their image in no time."

I take a sip of my black coffee as well before starting to eat the eggs. "What about you? Are you going to drive to Bath and talk with your parents about last night?"

"No, that's still to fresh. I'm going to go through some work for the Rothschild Foundation."

I nod. Edward is a true humanitarian like my sisters. "I'll see you tonight?"

He smiles, "Mi casa es su casa."

I grin, "Alright, maybe I should bring some more clothes then."

Edward grabs my free hand and squeezes it softly, "That would make me feel very happy."

---

I drive down Mulberry Avenue that leads to Frogmore House which is set in the grounds of Windsor Castle's Home Park. It's the first time I'll see any relative since I ended it with Oliver. It felt like yesterday, when it really was over three weeks ago.

I brush through my hair and am reminded once more of how short I cut it. The tips barely reach my collarbone now. It used to be hip-length.

But I'm sure lots of wigs can be made from that hair. Wigs for women who suffer from a different kind of pain than me. Women, who fight cancer.

I drive past Adelaide Cottage, the six bedroom house that my brother calls home now. It's a nice Victorian house with a backyard and a pool. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor live in that house officially - but privately they spend more time with Rory and George in their estate which is called Frogmore House.

A moment later I reach the enormous rectangular white Victorian house with a dome in the middle. The home of the heir family: my little sister, her husband and their adorable three daughters who are already two months old.

It's crazy how fast time flew by. It felt like yesterday that I met Oliver.

I park my silver Aston Martin next to the black front door and get out. It's a beautiful warm summer July day. The birds are tweeting, the bees are humming and the horses are neighing. The Royal Horse Stables are not too far away from here. Nate and I could go horseback riding for an hour or so. I love the summers here in Windsor. It's much quieter than busy London.

A plane flies over my head as I walk inside Frogmore House that was built in 1680. It's remarkable how 368 years later the house still exist. Sure, it has been modernised and renovated lots but the main structure still exist.

Rory's home is just gorgeous!

The huge foyer is held in marble and has a hotel-esque vibe with its two curved marble staircases. A huge chandelier hangs down the glass dome. It reminds me of home. Overall, there are lots of furniture or architecture styles and details that remind me of my childhood home in Richmond. But it's also modern. Rory has made an incredible job with the renovation. She made the tourist magnet and historic building a real home. A home where her gorgeous little girls will grow up in total peace and very well-protected. Just like in our childhood, they will learn what poverty is without ever having to experience it. They will show compassion without really knowing the true struggle that is between choosing a warm meal or buying that school uniform for your kids.

But Oliver does.

I gulp as my throat tightens. I can't think about him here. This is a place of happiness and joy. I walk through the foyer and into the open living area. Through the many white transom windows that fill the wide living area with a marble fireplace with so much light, I can see my sister, brother and their spouses in the backyard. My sister is dressed in a maxi bright yellow linen dress and Char is wearing a bright blue dress. Nate and George are both wearing beige slacks and sky blue Oxford shirts but they're sitting on the grass along with the little Princesses of Oxford. Grass spots, spots from soil - nothing the Royal staff can't get out of the designer clothes.

Grace, Alex and Lenni are laying on their tummies on the perfectly trimmed grass. I can't believe how much they've grown already. I just saw them three weeks ago but I swear they're already completely different persons now. Tiny persons with beautiful curly blonde hair that they've inherited from their Daddy. But they have Rory's amazing icy blue eyes.

They'll be heartbreakers.

It's something us Bolton women are known for.

I inhale deeply before opening the door to the backyard and stepping on the terrace. It's a huge terrace made of stone. Five steps downwards and I'm on the soft green grass.

"Jo!" George shows me a kind of smile that only family gets to see.

The three other family member turn around at George's voice.

"Hi!"

"You've cut your hair." Rory points out.

I run my fingers through my hair that stops at my shoulders. "Yes. Do you like it?"

"It's short." Nate says

"I think it's lovely!" Char says while narrowing her navy eyes at her husband.

"I donated the hair to make wigs from it. For cancer patients." I explain before walking over to them.

"It suits you." Rory says before hugging me. "And it's much lighter. You are so tanned as well!"

"Thank you. I was on French Cay and in Mexico for the last three weeks."

"It does look good. It's just... different." Nate says and embraces me as well.

"Different doesn't always mean bad." Char hugs me after her husband.

I can already feel the bump. "When will you announce the pregnancy?"

"In fifteen minutes." Charlotte says with a grin on her lips. She's glowing from the pregnancy hormones in her body.

"You look good."

"I feel good. I thought I'd be like my Mum and suffer from severe morning sickness but nothing happened!"

"That's the Bolton genes." I tell her with a smile.

Nate leans forward, "That's what I've said."

Char giggles and places her hands on the bump, "You're now a Mountbatten-Windsor." She tells Nate before brushing through his dark blonde hair that's glittering from the sun. "His Royal Highness The Duke of Windsor."

That's what Char wished for. A title for her husband. A welcome from the Royal Family. I mean, they've had it hard enough. Eight years of secretly loving each other, without having the courage to confess it to your best friend. And then on Rory's wedding day, Nate exploded with the confession. Fast forward eleven months and they're pregnant with two baby girls. And married, known as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Or Duchess and Duke as Charlotte usually gets to named first because she's a true blue-blooded.

It's crazy what can happen when you finally have the courage to be open for love.

I'm a coward. Oliver told me he loved me and I kicked him out. I'm the biggest coward in the world but no one sees that because I've perfected my Bolton mask over the years.

Sometimes that means I don't know who I am anymore.

"So, will you guys join Instagram now as well? WindsorRoyal maybe?" I ask them.

Char frowns at me before looking at Nate. "You told her?"

"No!"

"Yeah, right!" She rolls her navy eyes before looking at me. "Yes. We've joined this morning. Made a big announcement through Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace."

I didn't even realise. I've been in my bubble in the last three weeks that I didn't notice what happened in my surroundings. "I see. Well, I'll make sure to follow you."

"We're already following you." Nate says with a smirk.

"As are the rest of the Royal Family including Kensington Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle, Princess Beatrice, the Sussexes..." George explains with a smile on his face.

I frown, "You want to form an united front?" I ask them back. I didn't realise they were all following me - and I assume Bolton's Enterprises now as well.

Rory nods. "The King gave us permission to follow you. He calls you the extended family. He even told us to invite you on the balcony this year at Trooping the Colour."

"What?" I ask shocked. He can't do that! I'm not a Royal! My family is not blue blooded!

"Yeah I know. We were all a bit shocked as well." Char admits. "First he's an asshole about the whole title thing and now he's turning into an angel."

Char just called her grandfather - the monarch - an asshole.

"Char," my brother narrows his navy eyes at his wife.

She only shrugs, "I can say that now. Because I've got what I wanted. We've got titles."

A title is everting in Royal circles.

"And this." Nate waves with his hands.

"Frogmore House?" I ask confused before looking at Rory and George. "You're giving them Frogmore House?! But you just renovated this place!"

"We're not giving them anything yet." Rory clarifies. "But when the time comes and the girls will be older... we may move out."

"And move in where? Clarence House is full. Kensington Palace is full. St. James's Palace is full." I think out loud. "Are you moving to York Cottage in Norfolk?" I ask them as I know they own this as well. It's on the Sandringham House's grounds, not too far away from Amner Hall where George spent some time as a toddler and newborn.

"Blenheim Palace." George answers and licks his lips.

"Blen-Blenheim Palace?" I ask shocked. "Where the charity gala is held in every year? Where socialites from Oxford meet?"

"It's not finale but we've been doing some thinking..." Rory says with a shrug.

"Elaborate." I demand of her.

"Windsor Castle is holding the Royal households of the Windsors, the Sussexes and our's. It's too much work for too little space. So, we thought since we own Blenheim Palace-"

"You own Blenheim Palace?" I interrupt her. That's news!

"First wedding anniversary gift from grandpa." George explains with a grin. "We'll announce it on our wedding anniversary of course."

"I see." Gifting houses and palaces to his favourite grandchildren must be the King's most enjoyable activity lately.

"So, we thought about closing it for the public. I mean it's within the Dukedom that we've been given and I think the Brits would like it if the Duke and Duchess of Oxford would actually live in Oxfordshire. We're going to renovate the old walls with our own money like we did with Frogmore and then slowly start moving in over the course of a few years. First it's going to be our staff, one department after another. It's going to be a gradual change but one day... it'll be us with however many children we'll have by then. Officially with a statement."

"Until George becomes King and you guys move into Clarence House. Or Kensington Palace since William and Catherine will move back in after becoming King and Queen." Wills and Catherine used to live in Clarence House for a short period before and after their engagement. As Clarence House is the current official home of the monarch it is expected for William and Catherine to live there after Charles is dead.

"No." Rory corrects me. "It would be the King's official home - when the day comes I mean. Blenheim is big enough to hold our royal household - and the expanded staff after we have become King and Queen - and support us when George and I will sit on the throne. It would be our forever home."

"Like this right here was supposed to me." I say and roll my eyes.

"Frogmore would be our weekend estate."

"Like York Cottage in Norfolk and Craigowan Lodge in Balmoral or Balmoral Castle since, hey, you guys will be King and Queen then." I wave with my hands. Sometimes I think Oliver is right. I a living in an absurd world where people change their homes like underwear. They spend millions without even caring. They could save the world or at least have a very great impact on the journey to safe the world but instead they decide to throw their money out of the window.

"Jo," My little sister sighs.

Shit, the thought of Oliver makes me throat tight and my eyes well up. I look away from Their Royal Highnesses and stare at the lake in front of us. It's a beautiful warm summer day. The grass is perfectly groomed and the flowers are blossoming. Even the like is glittering from the sun. It looks like a place from some kind of Disney Movie or fairytale written by the Brothers Grimm.

It's out of this world.

"We're not planning on doing it any time soon. Maybe in five or six years. But as I am taking over more and more from my father and preparing to be King one day, things will have to change. It's just the way it is. It's the nature of the monarchy." George explains. "And in the mean time we will start with the renovation process at Blenheim. Do part after part and only close that to the public. They won't even know we're secretly renovating it for us until we've announced the move."

Fooling the British folks - another thing the firm has perfected. I sigh and brush through my hair. For the first time I don't think I belong here. I don't belong into the world of the Royals but I don't belong in the world of the old money as well.

Yet, I am part of them. They are who I am I'll always be sitting between the chairs of Royalty and old money. I am the piece that connects both worlds.

I should feel lucky because it gives me a kind of power no one has.

But I don't know what to do with it.

I look back at my family, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Oxford and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

And suddenly it clicks. The idea hits me so unexpected that I start grinning like an idiot.

"What?" Rory asks me confused.

"Hampton Court Palace." I breathe out my suggestion.

"I'm sorry?" She asks me confused.

"Hampton Court Palace has been open for the public for decades. We can't close it!" Char throws in.

"But Blenheim is alright?" I ask her back with a raised eyebrow. "Blenheim is in Oxfordshire but Hampton Court Palace is in Molesey - that's south-east of London. London! Do you need another argumentative point?! Your very own tube line - Oxford line - stops there. It connects all the royal residences and it's surroundings. It connected Buckingham to Kensington to Clarence House to St. James' Palace... to Hampton Court Palace. It would be perfect. The Palace has a children playground, it has enough space for your royal household and however many children you will have. It has over 800 deers for Christ's sake! The grounds are huge. It's not too far away from Mummy and Daddy as well as Windsor. It's in a brilliant triangle and it's closer than Blenheim Palace."

"But Blenheim is gorgeous." Char breathes out.

"But so is Hampton Court." Rory whispers before looking at her husband. "Your call."

George looks at me. "We were set on Blenheim and than you come with your inventions..."

I shrug, "I just think Hampton Court would be better."

Rory sighs, "I don't know. I just thought we'd be doing the Brits living in Oxfordshire a favour by moving there... It would make them really happy."

"And you bloody lonely. You'd be hours away from your family - literally. But with Hampton Court, you'd be twenty minutes away from Mummy and Daddy - by car. You'd be an hour away from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace - and me. You'd be far away enough to enjoy the quiet life but close enough to stay at Mummy and Daddy's place as long as you want, without worrying how soon you'll have to wake up to leave the place the next morning to get home, get changed and go to your royal meetings or engagements. Char and Nate could even live in one wing of the palace once Charles is dead. I mean, the place is big enough for both of your royal households and serving as a royal family home. Honestly, I don't know why you didn't choose Hampton Court in the first place. It would have been more logical than Frogmore House if you ask me."

"Because it would have been seen as excessive. I would have been labelled as the posh and snobby Duchess who married into the firm for the fame and money." Rory almost hisses me. "It was Frogmore or York Cottage - and I didn't want to be so far away from both of our families."

"Then pick the right one this time! Hampton Court Palace is better than Blenheim."

Rory looks at George. "Hampton Court Palace has a tennis court."

I lean forward, "And a 24 hectare big garden as well as a 304 hectares big Home Park." I add with a smile on my lips.

George sighs, "Fine. I'll talk to Grandpa about it. I'm sure we can start renovating the palace in the winter when it's closed to the public and go on from there." George gazes at me with his chocolate brown eyes. "I swear, what is it with you Bolton women? Whatever you want, you get!"

I grin at George. "I'm just saving you guys from another mistake."

"Frogmore was not a mistake." George disagrees with me.

"No, of course not. But it wasn't the right decision either as you will have to move out of here in a decade at last."

"I still love Frogmore. The girls will love growing up here. But I know you're right, Jo. It's already getting crowded in Windsor Castle as we now host three households there." Rory picks up Lenni from the floor. "And it's only going to get worse in the next years..."

"But with one thousand rooms and 241 chimneys, you guys will be fine. You could revive Hampton Court Palace and make it the Buckingham Palace of this century." I suggest. Buckingham Palace is much smaller than Hampton Court Palace anyway, as it only has 775 rooms.

"It wouldn't be open to the public. Not even for a few months of the year." George disagrees with me. "People have been waking in and out of Hampton Court Palace for decades, they've seen enough of our future home. I won't share it with anyone but family after we've renovated it."

Rory grins and George. "And you say I am protective over our family."

---

"Okay, what did you want to talk about?" Rory asks me as a laying Grace starts trying to raise her head in front of her mother's feet. She's incredibly fast developing and growing. Grace is the youngest but she's always the first: the first one to get hungry, the first one to roll over and the first one to want to master tummy time.

I sit down on the beige couch in the wide living area with Alexandria in my arms. Alex, Grace and Lenni are identical triplets, yet they are very different. Lenni loves the water, while Alex likes to touch the soil in the veggie garden and Grace is obsessed with the texture of broccoli and kale. It's crazy to see how they grow up.

It almost makes me want to have kids myself.

"Jo?"

I shake my head, "Yes, sorry..." I lick my lips, "Remember how you joked about me working in your social media team?"

My younger sister laughs as Grace takes one shaky step after another, "Oh yes I do! Can you believe this was over six months ago? It's crazy how fast time flies by!"

"Rory, I want that job."

Her chestnut head swings up at my words. "What?"

"I want out of Mummy and Daddy's firm. I need a change. I want to work for you. For Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Oxford. Officially. I want a statement and all that jazz."

"No!" My sister disagrees with wide icy blue eyes trained on her daughter. "You've always wanted Mummy and Daddy's firm! Bolton's Enterprises was your dream! Since we were little! You can't give up-"

"I need a break."

"But you won't work for me, Jo." Rory says before picking up Grace. Her little girl giggles and grins from ear to ear.

"You don't want me in your team anymore?"

My sister walks over to me and takes Alex out of my arms. Seriously, she looks like Durga with her thousand arms. She can handle anything - she's just like our Mummy.

No wonder the world loves her so much.

"You will work with me. You will be like my extended arm into our social media team. You will lead the fifteen men and women that are currently working for us but you will not work for us. You will work with us." She explains to me, sounding more like the future Queen than my little sister. "I can't release a statement."

Of course she can't. It would be too much, too public. "I'm going to work in the background."

Rory nods. "You can work from home or here. I can even set up an office at Windsor Castle for you. We'll let the employees sign NDAs so they won't talk."

I shake my head. "You don't have to do that. Your employees are loyal to you. Home sounds good. At least for the first time..."

"Okay." She sighs, "And you really want out of the company?"

I nod, "More than anything else. Mummy and Daddy were right from the beginning. I don't belong there."

My little sister grabs my hand and squeezes it softly. Suddenly, she looks just like Mummy. "Then welcome to the firm."

I smile at her. "Thank you."

"It's going to be fabulous! I can call you in the middle of the night without having to worry you'd think I'm bossy." She smirks at me.

"You are bossy."

"Yeah but you won't tell that the press."

"I think by now they already know." I whisper back.

She grins at me before handing me Grace. "I love you, Jo."

"I love you, too." I whisper and brush through Grace's golden blonde curls. She might never be Queen of England but she will always be the Queen of our hearts - along with Lenni and Alex. "I want to change your image."

Rory leans back on the couch, "You're not wasting any time, are you?"

"No. I need to have a look into your calendar and patronages. I want to be on top of your engagements and see if there's a Royal tour in the plans."

"We thought about the Caribbean as their first Royal tour. I know it's tradition to fly to Australia and New Zealand as newlyweds and first-time-parents but we didn't fly there when we were newlyweds. We flew to the Caribbean."

"You want to start a new tradition."

"Sort of. An Oxford Fam tradition." She says with a smile. "We should fly there in late August or September. Maybe pay Costa Rica a visit."

"Hummingbirds?"

My sister grins and shrugs, "The girls would love them."

"It would make a great photo comparison with the first visit there. I think it's a good idea."

"Really? Because Juliette thinks it's way too modern."

"Who's Juliette?"

"My private secretary."

"Juliette needs an update. This is the 21st century. There are no longer women who married into the family to stay quiet, have babies, and submit to endless commentary on their wardrobes. You are a woman who works, not lunches. No one silences Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Oxford, the future Queen Consort of England. Call me arrogant but you need to show them that you can adapt and stand out at the same time. The only way is forward not backwards."

Rory smirks, "You sound like Mum on my wedding day."

"She was not wrong with what she said. You've given the folk three babies, you've made that horrific Lindo Wing photo call with a world changing interview and you can't stop halfway."

"People didn't like the interview. Actually both interviews George and I made. Called it scandalous to talk about birth and miscarriage on telly."

"It's not scandalous but very much time to talk about it. Someone needed to break that taboo anyway. And the next Queen of England did that. Doesn't it make you relatable? Besides, who even called that a scandal? Old white men?"

Rory giggles, "Probably."

"Look, I'll be your adviser and help you out with your social media. We won't do anything too modern and we'll clear everything with George, William and Charles. Trust me, this will be the best time of our lives."

"Why do you think I asked you to get into the boat in the first place? I trust you with my life and more importantly with the lives of my children. It's why you're going to be a godmother of all three of them."

"I feel very honoured-"

"Safe those words for the press." She interrupts me. "And now tell me a little bit more of your master plan..."

---

THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR IS PREGNANT

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are delighted to announce that the Duchess is expecting twins, due in the winter of 2048.

The King and members of both families are very delighted with the news.

The Duchess of Windsor is doing well and will continue her work for her patronages and participate in future Royal engagements.

---

Hours later, Rory and me are still talking about her future and my visions and ideas for her. We changed diapers, Rory breastfed the triplets and her husband played with them all while we kept talking and talking... George even made dinner but even through dinner we kept discussing our ideas. Even Nate and Char like my ideas. It's like I've been kissed by a muse, the ideas just come out of me.

"I like the idea of a YouTube channel. It's going to be new and innovative." Rory says with a nod.

"It's going to raise a bit of controversy as well but I think the majority will like it. It will make you even more relatable. You can film more clips for your lifestyle series Life In Balance. You could show how much work it was to write three books... Give the folk an even bigger glimpse into your lives."

"We'll talk to the King but I don't think that's going to be a big problem. The Royal Family has a YouTube Channel as well."

George walks into the living room with Grace in his arms. "Do you want to sleep over tonight?"

I look at my platinum Cartier watch. It's already midnight. I promised Ed to see him tonight. "Are your girls giving you sleepless nights still?"

Rory chuckles, "Sometimes. But you can sleep in the guesthouse. Totally soundproof. You won't hear a thing."

I'll just send Edward a text to tell him I'm staying at Frogmore. He will understand. "Okay. That sounds like a good idea. I'll sleep here then."

George nods before sitting down next to his wife. "So, are you guys done with talking?"

Rory and I shake our heads synchronically. "Not even close." Rory says with a grin on her lips.

George rolls his brown eyes at us. "This is like uni all over again."

True, we used to talk for hours at uni as well.

"But I'm glad you're now in the boat as well. We'll do great things with you."

I smile at him, "There's one more thing I want to talk about with the two of you."

Rory raises her chestnut brown eyebrow at me. "Yes?"

"That first Royal tour you plan to make to Australia or he Caribbean..."

George leans back on the beige couch, "I'm all ears."

"How about you travel all Commonwealth countries instead? Make it a 12 week tour instead of a 2 week tour." I suggest. "Rory could announce her commonwealth patronages in each country when you visit them. It would make great photos for the press. You would show how utterly important the commonwealth is to you. You'd be visiting every country, even the small ones that haven't been visited in decades. You would make a serious statement that says you are the future of the monarchy and how much you value each member of the Commonwealth."

Rory and George look at me with scepticism. "12 weeks? That's going to cost the taxpayers too much. They'd hate us more than love us for it."

"You'd be paying for it yourselves." I answer, knowing they can easily afford it.

"But we don't have a nanny yet." Rory says and bites on her lower lip. "And I'm afraid we won't find one so quickly."

"I'd come with you." I say and lick my lips. "And maybe Edward as well."

"Edward?" Rory asks me surprised.

"You're dating Edward Rothschild?" George asks me shocked. "I knew there were fireworks at Char's wedding!"

I shrug, "Yes."

"I need more than that! I want details!" Rory grins at me.

"Only if you agree to making that tour."

"I don't know if we can visit all 51 countries in 12 weeks." George answers while rubbing the back of his neck. "One country in one day is a bit much. Maybe we should extend that to 16 weeks? That would mean we could stay up to three days in a country. And then we have to think about jet-lag..."

"Sure. We can make a four month Royal tour out of it. You guys would start in the traditional way, in Australia, and then fly your way back home country by country, going west. The biggest jet-lag would appear in Australia, Barbados and Canada. That's when you'll definitely need an extra day to recover. But the rest will be planned in a way that there won't be more than an hour or two of a time difference. To make it easy for the girls as well."

Rory looks at George. "Do you think we can do this?"

George nods. "With enough planning, sure. We'll have babysitters for any engagements that require the two of us. We'll just have to pack enough clothes."

"That's not a problem." Rory smiles at him before looking at me again. "We'll use the Boeing, then?"

I nod. "It has enough space for 200 people. With security, royal commentators, videographers and a handful of photographers... it'll work out."

"It won't be good for our carbohydrate footprint." George points out with a frown.

"You can't make everyone happy, George. You guys are about plastic reduction and saving the environment but you can't neglect your royal duties. You have to visit all commonwealth countries as the future King and Queen. You might as well make it a family trip." I tell him.

"I think this trip going to speak volumes." Rory grins at me. "I'm so glad you've decided to work with us."

"We'll announce the launch of the YouTube channel tomorrow." George tells me.

Rory nods. "And after that my first official engagement after giving birth."

"Which will be what?"

"A tennis match, what else?"

I giggle. "Of course! What else?"

"Usually, it's going to a polo match." George starts explaining. "With the father playing polo and the new Mum watching the game with the baby."

"But not with you guys." I point out.

"No. I'll be on the court while George will sit on the terrace with the girls."

"And no nanny?! How will you manage that? It's three against one!"

"With you and perhaps Edward?"

I shake my head. "No. Ed hasn't even met Mum and Dad, there's no way I will go public with him before he met our parents, Rory."

"The tennis match is in two weeks. That's your deadline. It's you and Ed on the terrace with George or Char and Nate."

George leans forward, "And I don't know if you've noticed it but Charlotte's very hormonal right now. I prefer you over her right now."

"Have you met Ed's parents yet?"

"Yes. It didn't go very well. I snapped at his father because he was very rude."

Rory smirks because she knows what it's like when I explode. No one should provoke a Bolton. "I hope you didn't throw the f-word at him."

"No, but I almost did."

---

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!

What do you think of Edward and Josephine? What about Josephine's fresh start? How is she going to do in her new job? Do you think it's the right choice?

Also, do you think Oliver is gone out of Josephine's life completely?

Just like with this chapter, the next ones will jump in time quite a lot as the pace get quicker.

Keep your eyes open for a new update on A Million Times More. It's coming within the next days.

As always, please review!

In gratitude,

Nicole